Discord Versus Harmony

Read Proverbs 6

There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

Proverbs 6:16-19

Honesty and good communication in relationships are elusive enough in and of themselves. God knows this well, just as he knows us well. God is therefore particularly upset by those who lie and promote disharmony within a family: Hate and detest are not words to be taken lightly.

The image of a person pouring out lies as one would pour out a watering can on a garden is vivid indeed. It shows an intention—not accidentally spilling, but pouring—that betrays a heart at cross purposes with God. In much the same way, sowing discord—as if planting a garden of disharmony in a family—indicates how far the guilty party has strayed from God’s best in relationships. Such actions often grow out of small things—the “little white lie” that seems harmless but leads to a habit of falsehood, or the gossip and taking of sides that pits family members against one another. Let us guard our ways, striving to be people who tell the truth and promote harmony.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Troublemakers create a lot of trouble for themselves.

Today, Lord, give me your sense of truth and harmony, that I might be your force for good in my family, church, workplace, and neighborhood.